Beyond the well-known route
Villages, waterfalls, canyons and springs that don't make most itineraries — but should.
Hidden destinations
Full towns and villages that stay wonderfully uncrowded.
Base for the Blue Eye spring and the wild Vjosa river
The Alps' other valley — wilder and even quieter than Theth
UNESCO archaeological site layered with 2,500 years of history
Albania's arty, cafe-filled south-eastern capital
On the shimmering shore of Lake Ohrid
Hidden beaches & coves
Water just as clear, crowds a fraction of the size.
A secluded beach at the mouth of a dramatic canyon, reachable by hike or boat only.
A quieter cove between Himarë and Dhërmi, popular with in-the-know travellers.
A long pebble beach below the old hillside village, refreshingly undeveloped.
A wide, wild sandy beach on the northern coast near the Montenegro border, rarely crowded.
Hidden experiences
Springs, ruins and valleys most visitors never find.
Natural warm pools beside a 500-year-old Ottoman bridge.
Dramatic river canyon an hour from Berat, popular for rafting and swimming.
A quiet walk to Byzantine-era mosaic ruins on Lake Ohrid's Lin peninsula.